The Polygon development team has revealed plans to officially rebrand its native asset from MATIC to POL following a significant network upgrade scheduled for September. This strategic move marks a pivotal moment in Polygon's evolution as a leading layer-2 scaling solution.
Key Details of the POL Rebrand
👉 Discover how POL will transform Polygon's ecosystem
Starting September 4th, POL will replace MATIC as the:
- Primary gas token for transactions
- Staking asset for Polygon's proof-of-stake (PoS) chain
- Foundation for future ecosystem expansion
"POL represents more than just a name change—it's the technological foundation for Polygon's next chapter," stated Polygon Labs in their official announcement.
Technical Implementation
Phase 1 (September 2024):
- POL becomes native gas token for Polygon PoS
- Existing MATIC holders on Polygon require no action
- Staking rewards distributed in POL
Future Phases:
- Potential integration with AggLayer for unified liquidity
Expanded validator roles including:
- Block generation
- Zero-knowledge proof creation
- Data Availability Committee participation
Migration Process
While most users won't need to take action, these groups should prepare for migration:
- MATIC holders on Ethereum mainnet
- Users storing tokens in centralized exchanges
- Those utilizing Polygon's EVM-compatible chains
Strategic Advantages of POL
- Enhanced Utility: Designed for multi-chain operations without restaking risks
- Ecosystem Growth: Supports Polygon 2.0's vision of interconnected L2 solutions
- Future-Proof Design: Flexible architecture for evolving blockchain needs
Market Context
The rebrand follows months of community discussion, with founder Sandeep Nailwal previously noting:
"POL delivers the benefits of multi-chain staking while maintaining security—a game-changer for our ecosystem's scalability."
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my MATIC tokens become worthless?
No. MATIC will automatically convert to POL at 1:1 ratio on Polygon chains. The change primarily affects naming and functionality.
Do I need to swap tokens myself?
Only if you hold MATIC on Ethereum mainnet or certain exchanges. Native Polygon holders require no action.
What happens to staked MATIC?
All staked positions will seamlessly transition to POL staking with identical rewards.
👉 Learn more about POL's technical advantages
How does POL improve on MATIC?
POL introduces:
- Broader validator roles
- Native multi-chain capabilities
- Future-proof architecture for Polygon 2.0
When will the upgrade occur?
The official transition begins September 4, 2024.
Will transaction fees change?
Gas fee structures remain unchanged—only the token denomination switches from MATIC to POL.
Conclusion
This rebranding represents Polygon's commitment to creating a more scalable, interconnected blockchain ecosystem. The POL token serves as both an evolutionary step from MATIC and a foundation for Polygon's ambitious technological roadmap.